By Edwin Henriquez

NECC students prefer streaming films and shows rather than buying them.

Services like Hulu and Netflix have become a juggernaut in the entertainment industry. With millions of subscribers signed up for these streaming services, the question that remains is “Are the cable and theater companies in trouble?”

According to oppositeviews.com, “CNBC reported that 30 percent of viewers ages 18 to 24, and 37 percent of viewers ages 25 to 34, had given up paying for cable tv in favor of using Netflix.

Ericrettberg.com wrote, “Since Netflix can be accessed anywhere there is internet access, it does indeed take away sales from simple things such as paying to rent a movie on a plane, buying a DVD at a store, or even going to the movies.” NECC students share similar outlooks to those in the media.

A computer science major from NECC, Steve Vega says that Netflix is really cheap and the movie and show titles are endless. Vega goes on to say, “If Netflix showed football games, I would cancel my cable.”

An accounting major at NECC, Vince Rabkin, says that Netflix is very convenient for him. Rabkin said, “House of Cards has become my favorite show, Netflix is doing a good job at producing their own programing.”

Another NECC student, Nicholas Morris, said that although Netflix is a valuable service to have, he does not plan to get rid of his cable.

The overwhelming number of positive reviews has proved that Netflix is here to stay. It will be interesting to see what steps the cable and theater industries use to combat these opposing forces.

Art has been around longer than any other human creation. From decorative hand axes to cave paintings, from the Renaissance to modern art to postmodern art and beyond, humans have always been driven to express themselves. Some like to paint or draw their art while others like to express their art on their body.
Tattoos have also been around for centuries. Tattoos are their own kind of art form, one that you can’t take down from your wall if you get tired looking at it.
The world is full of opinions, and when it comes to tattoos in the workplace you can expect both good and bad reactions.
In America we expect to get judged by our appearances, and I find it to be normal nowadays that when it comes to a job, if we don’t fit in to what the “norm” is, then our chances of getting hired are diminished.
I myself have four tattoos. I love every single one, and it is my way of expressing beauty. But my career path leads to a conventionally professional workplace — you don’t see many news anchors flaunting tattoos. For that reason, when I choose to get a tattoo, I hide it with clothes.
I can understand a boss not wanting to hire someone who has vulgar tattoos, but I don’t see the problem with showing of non-vulgar art.
For example surgeons, police, firefighters and EMTs are usually always covered up with their gear. These are people who save thousands of lives every single day. They should not be looked at differently because they have tattoos
The old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” should always be in the back of your head before you judge someone.
Justin Guy of Lowell, Mass., had some things to say about this matter. “Simply put, tattoos do affect your chances of getting a job you want, if they are visible. It is seen as ‘unprofessional’ to have visible tattoos, no matter what it is,” Guy said.
“You also have to take into consideration where you work and what you’re trying to do. For example, I work at UPS as a supervisor. When I was a package sorter it didn’t matter whether I had tattoos or not, I’m not around customers so they could care less. But now that I have a supervisor position [so] I’m not allowed have tattoos that are visible — because, as I said earlier, they see it as ‘unprofessional.’
“But I do in fact have tattoos, that my work shirt covers up, so they can’t really say anything about it ‘cause its not visible.
“Moral to the story: get tattoos. Just be careful of the placement, and you can get any job you desire.”
Another student who has strong feelings about tattoo judgment is Jess Palmer of Haverhill, Mass.
(Disclosure: Jess Palmer worked for the NECC Observer from Fall 2012 to Fall 2013.)
When I first met Palmer the first thing I noticed was her strong personality. She’s such a sweet and caring girl, I came to find out one day that she has nine tattoos, and she is very proud to show them off.
Palmer says, “Although I am an advocate against stereotyping against tattoos, it’s the world we live in nowadays. People in a professional setting see tattoos as rebellious and could possibly make a bad name for their company.
“I think it’s ridiculous. Tattoos are pieces of art, but if you don’t cover them you could lose your job.
“Many workplaces make it a policy that employees cover their tattoos, and it’s sad quite honestly.
“Just because I have tattoos on my body doesn’t mean I am not educated or a well-rounded worker.
“I am ambitious, kind, and a leader but because I have tattoos I am labeled as inadequate.
“So yes, I do believe that having tattoos affects your chance of getting certain jobs when you are compared to someone who doesn’t have any tattoos or any visible ones. Do I agree with it? No. But that’s the world we live in.
“However, I am hopeful that at some point in our lifetime tattoos will become more acceptable in the workplace and society as a whole.”
Palmer has recently gotten into the photography business. One of her current projects is about tattoo stereotyping.
Palmer said, “As of December 2014, we decided that we wanted to capture photos of tattoos to help spread awareness of tattoo stereotyping.
“Many judge the art on the bodies of others because they are blind to see the stories they hold.
“Our goal here is to share those stories through artistic and tasteful black and white photos of these pieces of work.”
If you are interested in joining this project and stopping tattoo stereotyping please contact Jess Palmer at
jesspalmerphotography@gmail.com.

By Rachel Sarcione

Although many NECC professors request that students refrain from using their electronic devices during class, texting and social media continue to be a distraction during lectures and exams.

“I feel bad for the professors,” said NECC student Melissa Dow, 37. “They spend all that time preparing lessons and then people are texting the whole time.”

Social media can be fun. However, it is social grace that could be the deciding factor in landing your dream-job.

Laurie Yennaco, 48, a salon owner said, “the time for good ethics is before you enter the workplace.”

Yennaco has employed more than 20 stylists and said she “has never seen a stylist stop cutting hair to return a text” because her employees keep their phones in the break area.

“Texting in class is ignorant to the people that want to learn,” said Bruce Augustonavich, a returning NECC graduate. “It’s rude the person teaching.”

Unfortunately, the classroom is not the only campus location where social media is disturbing NECC students and staff. The library has computers available for students to do research and writing assignments. However, some students are using the computers for purposes other than academics.

“It’s difficult not to be distracted,” said Gail Stuart, Head of Research Services at NECC’s Bentley Library. “It’s important to focus on one thing when you’re trying to absorb information.”

By Eduardo Souza

To students, the end of the semester can feel like a mixed blessing.

On one side, it’s almost over. Students are almost done and winter break is coming. However, there’s still so much to do. There are papers to write. There are final exams to study for. There’s a multitude of work still to be done and it seems like it all falls on the same week.

Every student has their own reasons for pursuing an education at NECC, and at times like these it’s important to remember what those are and keep focused on your primary objective.

NECC has a diverse student population. Some of the students here have recently graduated high school; some haven’t stepped inside a classroom in years and have decided to give it try. It can be a daunting experience coming back to the classroom. It takes courage to step out of one’s comfort zone and give something new a chance.

“I came to NECC because it provides a good education at a low cost compared to other colleges and universities,” said Jensy Veras, a sophomore majoring in human services. Veras plans to transfer to Merrimack College after getting his associate’s at NECC.

“My goal is to get involved with human services,” said Veras. “In this area, there are many paths I can take. I can work with kids. I can work with at-risk youths. I’d like to do something where I’m helping to better the community.”

Melanie Fortin, a student at NECC majoring in radiology, said she’s happy with the school and is impressed at all the different programs the school offers. Fortin said to succeed at NECC, a student needs to try hard and be engaged.

“You have be really motivated and engaged here,” said Fortin. “You can’t just go home and do nothing. You have to try.”

As with Veras, Fortin said her education’s not ending here. “I’ll probably continue to a four-year program,” she said. “I’m thinking of going to the University of New Hampshire.” Fortin plans on pursuing a career in radiology and NECC provides the first step into that path.

Some students have spent decades outside of the classroom and have just come back to pursue a different career path. Duane Sherman, a freshman majoring in liberal arts: writing, has spent the last thirty years working in radio broadcasting. After leaving radio behind, Sherman decided it was time to go back to school.

“This is the first time I’m back in the classroom in thirty years,” said Sherman. “I’m happy and I’m proud that I’m doing well.”

Taking that first step to go back to school after so many years can be a difficult decision.

“I was skeptical going in on some regards,” said Sherman. But Sherman gave it a try and is now looking forward to his future. “I would like to be a writer of books,” said Sherman. “I’d like to write a memoir. Write some fiction and non-fiction… My goal is to make a living off my own words.”